What you will study
As a major in Chemistry at the University of Central Missouri, you’ll build core knowledge
in the primary areas in the field, such as analytical, biological, inorganic, organic
and physical chemistry. You’ll also learn problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
that teach you how to organize information, analyze it and draw conclusions based
on data.
Courses for the Chemistry bachelor’s degree program include:
- Biochemistry
- Communication Skills in Chemistry
- Instrumental Analysis
- Mechanistic Enzymology
- Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- Quantitative Analysis
A core part of nearly every class you take will involve lab work. During your labs,
you’ll work closely with faculty members who provide focused guidance on how best
to approach your work.
Excellence in Chemistry
- Nationally certified: American Chemistry Society — the field’s gold standard. This means you’re taught
by accomplished faculty, your course requirements are guaranteed to meet current industry
standards and our facilities are well-maintained and up to date.
Unique learning opportunities in the Chemistry major
As you major in Chemistry, you’ll engage in active learning processes that teach you
how to execute modern lab techniques. Overall, you’ll have many opportunities to become
actively involved, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Internships: Get experience working in a professional lab by participating in an internship. Past
students with a major in Chemistry have participated in Research Experiences for Undergraduates
through the National Science Foundation (NSF-REU) at sites including the University
of Utah, University of Minnesota and Michigan Technological University (in cooperation
with the National University of Singapore).
- Undergraduate research: Work on faculty-led research projects with a mentor who shares your intellectual curiosity.
You may even get the opportunity to publish your work in a scientific journal.
- Dedicated, high-tech labs: Use high-tech equipment that aligns with the latest and best technology in the field.
Equipment includes FT-IR, fluorescence and UV-visible spectrophotometers, as well
as an HPLC chromatography system, among many others.
- Career advising: We’ll work with you to map out the best approach to your education based on your career
goals. This includes planning which classes to take, finding the best internships
and finding your ideal career path to get the jobs you want.
- Student life: Take part in our active student organization, the American Chemical Society, to network with others who share your interests.
Perform service work, learn about career opportunities and attend speaking events.
What can you do with a major in Chemistry from UCM?
Chemistry serves as the central science that builds the foundation of many technological
and scientific areas. Your Chemistry bachelor’s degree prepares you to succeed in
a wide range of fields.
So, what can you do with a major in Chemistry? Our graduates have gone on to work
in forensics, medicine, research, quality control, gene therapy, the government and
more. Companies and organizations that employ UCM graduates with a bachelor’s degree
in Chemistry include:
- Catalent Pharma Solutions
- CEVA Animal Health
- Charles River Laboratories
- EAG Laboratories
- Cardinal Health
- Church and Dwight
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation
- Pfizer
Our graduates have also gone on to medical school, pharmacology programs, veterinary
school and more.
Jobs with a Chemistry major
What can you do with a major in Chemistry? Use the interactive tool below to discover
job options, projected career growth, salary ranges and open positions.4
Financial assistance options for your Chemistry bachelor’s degree
The University of Central Missouri helps put your bachelor’s degree in Chemistry within
reach. We offer numerous ways to help you finance your education, including university scholarships, tuition awards, grants, access to federal financial
aid, loans and more.
UCM also offers scholarships specifically to Chemistry majors. These include:
- Ardyth C. Boucher Scholarship
- Donald R. Kelsey Undergraduate Research Award
- E. R. Foster and Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Foster Scholarship
- J. M. Hopping Scholarship
- Nance Family Scholarship
- Raymond and Cynthia Burton Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Andrew J.
BS Chemistry ’16
“My time spent in UCM Chemistry solidified my desire to pursue a chemistry graduate
degree. UCM was where I found my love for the sciences — fueled by the pursuit of
excellence by the professors, the casual but intimate class sizes and the availability
of mentoring when needed. Many of the professors and friends I met along the way continue
to be a foundation of knowledge and help that I truly cherish.”
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Jay Steinkruger
Focused on supporting undergraduate research
Dr. Steinkruger’s efforts promoting undergraduate research focus on interdisciplinary
work, especially where biology and chemistry intersect. In addition to acting as a
faculty mentor on research projects, he draws on his own research to teach courses
on subjects such as Organic Chemistry.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Logan H.
BS Chemistry ’20
“My professors had connections to help me get an industrial internship and an undergraduate
NSF research fellowship, which were instrumental in my getting into graduate school.
Now that I'm in graduate school, it's clear how much more background knowledge I have
in a broad range of chemistry fields compared to my colleagues. I attribute that to
the great instruction and relatively small class sizes at UCM.”
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Jason Holland
Chemistry program coordinator
Dr. Holland coordinates the Chemistry program at UCM. He focuses his teaching in the
area of biochemistry, mentoring students enrolled in both chemistry and biology courses.
His organic and biochemistry classes are often taken by students studying Dietetics,
Exercise Science and Occupational Safety and Health.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Sarah R.
BS Chemistry ’16
“I couldn't be happier with my decision to attend UCM. The Chemistry Department prepared
me well for veterinary school by teaching me how to develop the necessary study habits
and discipline needed to succeed in post-graduate programs. The smaller classroom
sizes make it feel more like one-on-one learning, allowing for better understanding
of the subject.”
Meet Jessica C.
BS Chemistry
“My time spent in the UCM Chemistry program has allowed me to rediscover my love for
the sciences, and to gain the confidence to pursue an undergraduate chemistry degree.
Being a single mother, the flexibility of the program and the continuous encouragement
from the professors have been essential to my success. The meaningful relationships
I have built with professors, as well as the and other students in the program, continues
to be a foundation of knowledge and assistance that I truly cherish."
leftright
Hands-on experience
Another advantage of studying chemistry at UCM is the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience with sophisticated chemical instrumentation, assuring future employers
a well-trained and experienced graduate who works with a high level of confidence.
Equipment used regularly by students include those for UV-Visible, FT-IR, and FT-NMR
spectroscopy; chromatography instruments, such as those for GC, GC/MS, and HPLC; and
an assortment of others for calorimetry, fluorometry, and electrochemical analysis.
UCM chemists strive to obtain the most up-to-date instrumentation; the FT-IR, fluorescence,
and UV-Visible spectrophotometers, in addition to the HPLC chromatography system,
are all recent acquisitions.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research experiences are encouraged for all chemistry majors at UCM
and are required for students obtaining the B.S. ACS certified degree and the B.S.
in Education degree. Many areas of research are available throughout the academic
year and the summer, including work in biochemistry; organic, inorganic, physical,
and analytical chemistry; and chemical education. Undergraduate research provides
an opportunity for students to develop and utilize critical thinking skills, creativity,
and essential research techniques for chemical, health, and other science-related
disciplines. Students participating in research collaborate with faculty members and
other student researchers, building important student-mentor relationships. Many students
present their research at state, regional, and national meetings. Participation in
professional meetings provides an opportunity to interact and share experiences with
student and faculty researchers from around the country and the world. A list of the
conferences where UCM undergraduates have presented over the past few years includes:
- National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
- National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
- Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Missouri Academy Sciences (MAS)
- Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE)
- Central Scholar's Symposium
- Argonne Symposium
